DOCSLIB.ORG

ETD Version 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ETD Version 2 Enhancing the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), for biological control of a shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Malaysian mahogany plantations Grace T. Lim Dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Entomology Scott M. Salom, Co-Chair Loke T. Kok, Co-Chair Laurence G. Kirton (FRIM) Douglas G. Pfeiffer Richard D. Fell April 4, 2007 Blacksburg, VA Keywords: Weaver ant, Mahogany Shoot Borer, Oecophylla smaragdina, Hypsipyla robusta, Biological control, Food supplementation, Host plant species Enhancing the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), for biological control of a shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Malaysian mahogany plantations Grace T. Lim Abstract The weaver ant is a promising biological control agent of a shoot borer, Hypsipyla robusta Moore, on mahogany, but techniques to conserve ant colonies redistributed to mahogany plantations have not yet been developed. The effect of food supplementation and host plant species preference of the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina F., was evaluated in a series of field studies. A simple model was developed to estimate the number of ants within nests on Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (Meliaceae): log10 (Number of ants) = - 1.16 + 1.09 log10 (Nest size). Nest 2 size is calculated from estimated nest height (h) and length (Î) using the formula = pr Î, where r = ½ h. This model was useful for repeated assessments of ant population levels to evaluate treatment effects. It provides better estimates than previous indirect methods based on nest counts and ant trail counts on plant parts. Colonies that were relocated without their queens and very small colonies (< 10,000 ants) failed to establish on new host trees, indicating that a minimum ant population and queen needs to be transferred for colony survival. Established colonies consumed more high- protein foods (live mealworms and fish) than high-carbohydrate liquid foods (honey and ‘weaver ant formula’, which contained sucrose and human muscle-training powder (EnerproTM)). Relocated colonies consumed more weaver ant formula and as many mealworms as established colonies, indicating that existing and relocated colonies require different food supplementation strategies. Decreasing consumption over time and preferential consumption among high-protein food choices (i.e., of mealworms over fish) indicated that ants select and regulate food consumption based on colony needs. Therefore, food supplementation should be as needed. Preliminary indications were that self-sufficiency in trophobiont (honeydew) levels may be achieved in two months after colony relocation. The optimal colony density that would protect K. ivorensis was estimated to be within the range of 6 – 48 colonies per ha based on previous reports for cocoa and cashew, and a consideration of the low damage threshold for mahogany. Substituting chemical control with weaver ants at those application rates gave similar IRRs (Internal rate of return; 11.6 – 12.2 vs. 12.0%) in preliminary financial analyses, and was preferable from an ecological standpoint. Twenty-nine host plant species were found for Malaysian O. smaragdina, of which 11 were new species records for Oecophylla spp. Also, there were two new genera and eight new species records for Malaysian O. smaragdina. Of eight trophobiont families collected, six species were identified, yielding new trophobiont-host plant species records for four coccoid species and two membracid genera. Screening of several ant-abundant plant species that included preliminary pest risk analyses for trophobionts on K. ivorensis, identified M. citrifolia as a promising candidate for mixed-planting with this mahogany species. Acknowledgments I am greatly indebted to my co-advisors, Drs. Scott Salom, Loke T. Kok and Laurence Kirton, for their constant encouragement and guidance throughout my graduate study. I am also grateful to my other advisory committee members, Drs. Richard Fell and Douglas Pfeiffer for their insightful comments and constructive criticism of my work. I wish to appreciate the faculty of Virginia Tech who contributed to my well-rounded graduate education. In addition to all members of my advisory committee, these were Drs. Donald Mullins, Carlyle Brewster and Jeffrey Bloomquist, and Andy Roberts (Entomology Department), Dan Spitzner, Geoff Vining and George Terrell (Statistics Department). Drs. Brewster and Vining provided valuable statistical advice. I also wish to thank Eric Day, Theresa Dellinger, Sarah Kenley, Ashley Lamb, Geoff Preston, Kathy Shelor and Robin Williams (Entomology Department, Virginia Tech) for their encouragement and technical support. I gratefully acknowledge my fellow entomology graduate students for their friendship and advice: Brian Eisenback, Robbie Flowers, Nathan Herrick, Dave Mausel and Meredith Worthen. Shicai Yan provided Chinese – English translation of an important weaver ant paper. I would like to express my warmest appreciation to the staff of the Entomology Unit, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) who assisted in my field work: Saimas Ariffin, Saiful Azahari, Shaiful Amri, Norziah Ishak, Fadir Ishak and Azmi Mahyudin. Thanks also to Shawn Cheng and Nada Badruddin, and again to Dr. Kirton, my colleagues at the Entomology Department, FRIM for holding the fort while I was on study leave. Lim Sun Heng, Leong Lyne Ching and Lim Ban Aik, and the staff of Trolak Plantation: Lim Thaw Nam, Tee Aun Seng and Tan Hong Tick (Maju Aik Ltd.) were involved in the project from the start. Thank you. Additionally, I am grateful to Dr Michael Kosztarab (Entomology Department, Virginia Tech), Drs. Douglass Miller and Stuart MacKamey (USDA-ARS) for identifying various trophobionts associated with the weaver ant. The host plant species of the ant were in part identified by Mohd. Asri and Kamarudin Salleh (Botany Section, FRIM). Thanks also to Drs. Nico Blüthgen (Bayreuth University) and Paul van Mele (CABI) for advice on aspects of weaver ant biology and Drs. Marianne Horak (CSIRO) for information on Hypsipyla taxonomy. I am grateful to FRIM for allowing me to pursue my studies while employed at the Institute and for providing partial funding. My sincere thanks to Drs. Abdul Razak Mohd. Ali, Wan Razali Wan Mohd., Abdul Latif Mohmod, Baskaran Krishnapillay, Abdul Rasip Abdul Ghani and Ms. Wan Rahmah Wan Raof (FRIM). I would also like to extend my gratitude to Liza Ismail and Ruziah Ripin (FRIM) for their technical support. Drs. Gary Theseira, Ahmad Zuhaidi Yahya, Ang Lai Hoe, Saw Leng Guan, Chan Hung Tuck, Lillian Chua and Lee Su See are very much appreciated for their help. Last but not least, I would like to express my appreciation and love to my fiancé Spencer Clark and our families for their tremendous support of my graduate education. This project was sponsored by the Fulbright Program that provided full funding for the first two years, Virginia Tech that granted a teaching assistantship for the third and final year and tuition waivers throughout, the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange that provided a return airfare journey, and FRIM. iii Table of Contents Page Abstract ii Acknowledgements iii List of Tables vi List of Figures vii Preface x Chapter 1 Introduction and Literature Review 1 Characteristics of mahogany 1 Characteristics of the mahogany shoot borer 2 Mahogany shoot borer management 2 Weaver ants 4 Research Objectives 6 Chapter 2 Host plants and associated trophobionts of the weaver ant Introduction 7 Materials and Methods 8 Literature survey 8 Host plant survey 9 Statistical analyses 11 Results 12 Literature survey 12 Host plant survey 12 Discussion 48 Literature survey 48 Host plant survey 48 Chapter 3 The preference of the weaver ant for four plant species in a mangrove habitat Introduction 51 Materials and Methods 52 Statistical analyses 53 Results 53 Discussion 56 Chapter 4 A model for estimating the number of weaver ants inside nests Introduction 59 Materials and Methods 60 Statistical analyses 61 Results 61 Discussion 68 Chapter 5 The preference of the weaver ant for four foods Introduction 70 Materials and Methods 71 Preliminary study 71 iv Choice and no-choice tests 72 Statistical analyses 74 Results 74 Discussion 80 Chapter 6 The effect of food supplementation on the establishment of redistributed weaver ant colonies Introduction 86 Materials and Methods 87 Statistical analyses 90 Results 90 First week 90 16 weeks 93 Discussion 96 First week 96 16 weeks 97 Chapter 7 Conclusions 102 Model for ant population estimation 102 Harvesting and redistribution 102 Direct food supplementation 102 Indirect food supplementation 103 Further Study 104 Literature Cited 105 Appendix 117 Vita 118 v List of Tables Table Page 2.1. Description of sites sampled in four habitats for Oecophylla smaragdina host 10 plants in Central West Peninsular Malaysia. 2.2. Records of Oecophylla smaragdina host plants and possible host plants, and 13 associated trophobionts from a survey of the literature (1900 to present). Currently accepted species and family names are used followed by names given in the original article within square brackets [ ], where different. 2.3. Records of Oecophylla longinoda host plants and associated trophobionts from 32 a survey of the literature (1900 to present). Currently accepted species and family names are used followed by names given in
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Geography and Archaeology of the Palm Islands and Adjacent Continental Shelf of North Queensland
    ResearchOnline@JCU This file is part of the following work: O’Keeffe, Mornee Jasmin (1991) Over and under: geography and archaeology of the Palm Islands and adjacent continental shelf of North Queensland. Masters Research thesis, James Cook University of North Queensland. Access to this file is available from: https://doi.org/10.25903/5bd64ed3b88c4 Copyright © 1991 Mornee Jasmin O’Keeffe. If you believe that this work constitutes a copyright infringement, please email [email protected] OVER AND UNDER: Geography and Archaeology of the Palm Islands and Adjacent Continental Shelf of North Queensland Thesis submitted by Mornee Jasmin O'KEEFFE BA (QId) in July 1991 for the Research Degree of Master of Arts in the Faculty of Arts of the James Cook University of North Queensland RECORD OF USE OF THESIS Author of thesis: Title of thesis: Degree awarded: Date: Persons consulting this thesis must sign the following statement: "I have consulted this thesis and I agree not to copy or closely paraphrase it in whole or in part without the written consent of the author,. and to make proper written acknowledgement for any assistance which ',have obtained from it." NAME ADDRESS SIGNATURE DATE THIS THESIS MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE LIBRARY BUILDING ASD0024 STATEMENT ON ACCESS I, the undersigned, the author of this thesis, understand that James Cook University of North Queensland will make it available for use within the University Library and, by microfilm or other photographic means, allow access to users in other approved libraries. All users consulting this thesis will have to sign the following statement: "In consulting this thesis I agree not to copy or closely paraphrase it in whole or in part without the written consent of the author; and to make proper written acknowledgement for any assistance which I have obtained from it." Beyond this, I do not wish to place any restriction on access to this thesis.
    [Show full text]
  • A Bioassay for Measuring the Intensities of Ant Defenses on Macaranga Myrmecophytes
    ISSN : 0917-415X DOI:10.3759/tropics.MS15-19 TROPICS Vol. 25 (3) 101-106 Issued December 1, 2016 ORIGINAL ARTICLE A bioassay for measuring the intensities of ant defenses on Macaranga myrmecophytes Usun Shimizu-kaya1, 2*, Tadahiro Okubo2 and Takao Itioka2 1 Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano, Otsu, Shiga 520‒2113, Japan 2 Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606‒8501, Japan * Corresponding author: [email protected] Present address: Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700‒8530, Japan Received: January 10, 2016 Accepted: March 15, 2016 J-STAGE Advance published date: October 4, 2016 ABSTRACT In the Southeast Asian tropics, the tree genus Macaranga includes many myrmecophytic species that associate with ‘plant-ants’ nesting in their domatia spaces. Plant-ants on Macaranga myrmecophytes protect their host-plants against herbivores. Because interspecific differences in ant defense intensities among Macaranga myrmecophytes affect the host-plant use by herbivorous insects, they need to be studied to better understand the ecology and evolution of herbivores on Macaranga myrmecophytes. In this study, to examine whether larvae of a lycaenid species, Arhopala major, which potentially feeds on some Macaranga myrmecophytes, can be used for a bioassay that assesses relative ant aggressiveness towards general herbivores on Macaranga plants, we experimentally introduced A. major larvae onto leaves of three Macaranga myrmecophytic species. We measured (1) the time required for the first touch by plant-ants on an introduced larva and (2) the number of plant-ant workers aggregating 3 min after the first touch. The order of three Macaranga species in ant defense intensity, as estimated by the two measurements, corresponded with the results of previous studies investigating the interspecific differences in ant defense intensities using ant-exclusion experiments.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Species of Arhopala Boisduval, 1832 from Luzon Island, the Philippines (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
    Nachr. entomol. Ver. Apollo, N. F. 33 (4): 149–150 (2013) 149 A new species of Arhopala Boisduval, 1832 from Luzon Island, the Philippines (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) Yasuo Seki and Colin G. Treadaway Yasuo Seki, 5­37­12, Wakabayashi, Setagaya, Tokyo, 154­0023, Japan; [email protected] Colin G. Treadaway, F.R.E.S., Entomologie II, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, D­60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; [email protected] Abstract: A remarkable specimen belonging to genus Arho- 1a, 1b and 2 on hindwing present, but not prominent. pala Boisduval, 1832 was discovered on Luzon Island, the Markings of both wings slightly darker than ground Phil ippines. After the comparison with allied species we colour and outlined by pale brown striae. Forewing post re co gnized it as a new species and therefore describe it here as Arhopala hayashihisakazui sp. n. (holotype female in coll. discal band completely dislocated at vein 4 and spots in Research Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Tokyo, Ja pan). spaces 4, 5 and 6 in line and oblique. Hindwing lower end of end cell bar outwardly enlarged. Post discal spot Eine neue Art der Gattung Arhopala Boisduval, 1832 in space 6 very small but this may be an individual varia­ von Luzon, Philippinen (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) tion. Zusammenfassung: Ein ungewöhnliches und auffälliges Male and preimaginal instars unknown. Weib chen einer Art der Gattung Arho pala Boisduval, 1832 wur de auf der Insel Luzon, Philippinen, entdeckt. Im Ver­ gleich mit nahestehenden und ähnlichen Arten erkannten Diagnosis wir es als zu einer neuen Spezies gehörig, die hiermit als This new species is quite distinct and easily separated Arho pala hayashihisakazui sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Native Plants Sixth Edition Sixth Edition AUSTRALIAN Native Plants Cultivation, Use in Landscaping and Propagation
    AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS SIXTH EDITION SIXTH EDITION AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS Cultivation, Use in Landscaping and Propagation John W. Wrigley Murray Fagg Sixth Edition published in Australia in 2013 by ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Reed New Holland an imprint of New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd Sydney • Auckland • London • Cape Town Many people have helped us since 1977 when we began writing the first edition of Garfield House 86–88 Edgware Road London W2 2EA United Kingdom Australian Native Plants. Some of these folk have regrettably passed on, others have moved 1/66 Gibbes Street Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia to different areas. We endeavour here to acknowledge their assistance, without which the 218 Lake Road Northcote Auckland New Zealand Wembley Square First Floor Solan Road Gardens Cape Town 8001 South Africa various editions of this book would not have been as useful to so many gardeners and lovers of Australian plants. www.newhollandpublishers.com To the following people, our sincere thanks: Steve Adams, Ralph Bailey, Natalie Barnett, www.newholland.com.au Tony Bean, Lloyd Bird, John Birks, Mr and Mrs Blacklock, Don Blaxell, Jim Bourner, John Copyright © 2013 in text: John Wrigley Briggs, Colin Broadfoot, Dot Brown, the late George Brown, Ray Brown, Leslie Conway, Copyright © 2013 in map: Ian Faulkner Copyright © 2013 in photographs and illustrations: Murray Fagg Russell and Sharon Costin, Kirsten Cowley, Lyn Craven (Petraeomyrtus punicea photograph) Copyright © 2013 New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd Richard Cummings, Bert
    [Show full text]
  • Observations on Lycaenid Butterflies from Panbari Reserve Forest and Adjoining Areas, Kaziranga, Assam, Northeastern
    Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 December 2015 | 7(15): 8259–8271 Observations on lycaenid butterflies from Panbari Reserve Forest and adjoining areas, Kaziranga, Assam, northeastern India ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) Communication Short Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi OPEN ACCESS Ph.D Student, Department of Ecology & Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India [email protected] Abstract: A checklist of 116 taxa of Lycaenidae (Blues) along with made to document the Lycaenidae notes on important species in low elevation forest of Panbari Reserve, of Kaziranga-Karbi Hills Kaziranga - West Karbi Hills, upper Assam is reported in this paper based on surveys conducted during 2007–2012 and some recent sightings till date. Important sightings include Blue Gem Poritia Methods erycinoides elsiei, Square-band Brownie Miletis nymphys porus, Plain Plushblue Flos apidanus ahamus, Blue Royal Ancema carmentalis, Study area Elwes Silverline Spindasis elwesi, Artipe skinneri, etc. The Panbari Reserve Forest (26036’N & 93030’E) is protected under the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) Keywords: Butterfly diversity, Kaziranga, Lycaenidae, northeastern India, Panbari Reserve. as its fourth addition (Images 1a,b & 2). The average elevation of the forest is around 90m. The altitude however ranges from 70–300 m. The reserve is very close to National Highway 37 (NH37) on the Guwahati- The Lycaenidae (Blues) butterfly diversity in low Jorhat route. The reserve falls between Golaghat and elevation forests of Panbari Reserve, Kaziranga - West Karb Anglong (KA) districts of Assam. To the north of Karbi Hills, upper Assam is reported in this paper. Karbi the reserve lies Dollamora proposed reserve in Karbi Hills constitue a chain of hill ranges lying in middle Assam Anglong District and on the southern boundary is a in the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra.
    [Show full text]
  • The Framework Species Approach to Forest Restoration: Using Functional Traits As Predictors of Species Performance
    - 1 - The Framework Species Approach to forest restoration: using functional traits as predictors of species performance. Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor in Philosophy by Hannah Betts July 2013 - 2 - - 3 - Abstract Due to forest degradation and loss, the use of ecological restoration techniques has become of particular interest in recent years. One such method is the Framework Species Approach (FSA), which was developed in Queensland, Australia. The Framework Species Approach involves a single planting (approximately 30 species) of both early and late successional species. Species planted must survive in the harsh conditions of an open site as well as fulfilling the functions of; (a) fast growth of a broad dense canopy to shade out weeds and reduce the chance of forest fire, (b) early production of flowers or fleshy fruits to attract seed dispersers and kick start animal-mediated seed distribution to the degraded site. The Framework Species Approach has recently been used as part of a restoration project in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in northern Thailand by the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) of Chiang Mai University. FORRU have undertaken a number of trials on species performance in the nursery and the field to select appropriate species. However, this has been time-consuming and labour- intensive. It has been suggested that the need for such trials may be reduced by the pre-selection of species using their functional traits as predictors of future performance. Here, seed, leaf and wood functional traits were analysed against predictions from ecological models such as the CSR Triangle and the pioneer concept to assess the extent to which such models described the ecological strategies exhibited by woody species in the seasonally-dry tropical forests of northern Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • Ants: Major Functional Elements in Fruit Agro-Ecosystems and Biological Control Agents
    sustainability Review Ants: Major Functional Elements in Fruit Agro-Ecosystems and Biological Control Agents Lamine Diamé 1,2,*, Jean-Yves Rey 1,3,6, Jean-François Vayssières 3,6, Isabelle Grechi 4,6, Anaïs Chailleux 3,5,6 ID and Karamoko Diarra 2 1 Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Centre pour le Développement de l’Horticulture, BP 3120 Dakar, Senegal; [email protected] 2 Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, BP 7925 Dakar, Senegal; [email protected] 3 Centre de Coopération Internationale de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, UPR HortSys, F-34398 Montpellier, France; jean-franç[email protected] (J.F.V.); [email protected] (A.C.) 4 Centre de Coopération Internationale de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, UPR HortSys, F-97455 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France; [email protected] 5 Biopass, Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles—University Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar—Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP 2274 Dakar, Senegal 6 University de Montpellier, Centre de Coopération Internationale de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, HortSys, F-34398 Montpellier, France * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 15 October 2017; Accepted: 12 December 2017; Published: 22 December 2017 Abstract: Ants are a very diverse taxonomic group. They display remarkable social organization that has enabled them to be ubiquitous throughout the world. They make up approximately 10% of the world’s animal biomass. Ants provide ecosystem services in agrosystems by playing a major role in plant pollination, soil bioturbation, bioindication, and the regulation of crop-damaging insects. Over recent decades, there have been numerous studies in ant ecology and the focus on tree cropping systems has given added importance to ant ecology knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • Arhopala in Borneo, Or at Least 22 Species of the Strange Genus Allotinus in the Subfamily Miletini, Or 12 Species of Miletus It
    170 JOURNAL OF THE LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY Arhopala in Borneo, or at least 22 species of the strange genus Allotinus in the subfamily Miletini, or 12 species of Miletus itself? A host of Celastrina blues, and spectacular long­ tailed Drupadia hairstreak species, make one want to take the next plane to Borneo to explore and study the endless variety of these groups there! In addition to providing an excellent guide to identification and some details of the basic biology of these two major families of butterflies in Borneo, the authors include pictures in color and words of the richness of the Bornean habitats that still remain. Yet they warn that during the two short years since the publication of Volume I, forests have continued to be destroyed for the sake of local economic development, especially for the export of forest timber to Japan. As the editor, Kazuhisa Otsuka, aptly says in his Foreword, "The tropical rain forest and its rich life should last forever for the earth as well as for us. The beautiful green world where birds sing, flowers bloom, and nymphs (butterflies) dance, should not be harmed any more beyond the present state. Otherwise, it will eventually lead to an unnatural extinction of human being." Together with the plates, this fascinating text (published in full in both Japanese and English) provides a rich introduction to the incredible butterfly fauna of Borneo. The excellent text figures, maps, and separate keys for males and females provide the elements of a model work for others to emulate. Any lepidopterist or scientist interested in the butterflies of southeast Asia will want to add both volumes of this work to his or her library.
    [Show full text]
  • Nest Site Selection During Colony Relocation in Yucatan Peninsula Populations of the Ponerine Ants Neoponera Villosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
    insects Article Nest Site Selection during Colony Relocation in Yucatan Peninsula Populations of the Ponerine Ants Neoponera villosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Franklin H. Rocha 1, Jean-Paul Lachaud 1,2, Yann Hénaut 1, Carmen Pozo 1 and Gabriela Pérez-Lachaud 1,* 1 El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Conservación de la Biodiversidad, Avenida Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal 77014, Quintana Roo, Mexico; [email protected] (F.H.R.); [email protected] (J.-P.L.); [email protected] (Y.H.); [email protected] (C.P.) 2 Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse; CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +52-98-3835-0440 Received: 15 January 2020; Accepted: 19 March 2020; Published: 23 March 2020 Abstract: In the Yucatan Peninsula, the ponerine ant Neoponera villosa nests almost exclusively in tank bromeliads, Aechmea bracteata. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors influencing nest site selection during nest relocation which is regularly promoted by hurricanes in this area. Using ants with and without previous experience of Ae. bracteata, we tested their preference for refuges consisting of Ae. bracteata leaves over two other bromeliads, Ae. bromeliifolia and Ananas comosus. We further evaluated bromeliad-associated traits that could influence nest site selection (form and size). Workers with and without previous contact with Ae. bracteata significantly preferred this species over others, suggesting the existence of an innate attraction to this bromeliad. However, preference was not influenced by previous contact with Ae. bracteata. Workers easily discriminated between shelters of Ae. bracteata and A.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparing Different Methods for Trapping Mated Queens of Weaver
    This article was downloaded by: [Statsbiblioteket Tidsskriftafdeling] On: 21 January 2015, At: 13:11 Publisher: Taylor & Francis Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Biocontrol Science and Technology Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cbst20 Comparing different methods for trapping mated queens of weaver ants (Oecophylla longinoda; Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Rozalia Gration Rwegasiraa, Maulid Mwatawalaa, Gration Mutashoberwa Rwegasiraa, Gissel Nielsen Mogensb & Joachim Offenbergb a Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania b Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark Click for updates Accepted author version posted online: 02 Dec 2014.Published online: 19 Jan 2015. To cite this article: Rozalia Gration Rwegasira, Maulid Mwatawala, Gration Mutashoberwa Rwegasira, Gissel Nielsen Mogens & Joachim Offenberg (2015) Comparing different methods for trapping mated queens of weaver ants (Oecophylla longinoda; Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Biocontrol Science and Technology, 25:5, 503-512, DOI: 10.1080/09583157.2014.992861 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2014.992861 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis.
    [Show full text]
  • New Middle Eocene Formicid Species from Germany and the Evolution of Weaver Ants
    New middle Eocene formicid species from Germany and the evolution of weaver ants GENNADY M. DLUSSKY, TORSTEN WAPPLER, and SONJA WEDMANN Dlussky, G.M., Wappler, T., and Wedmann, S. 2008. New middle Eocene formicid species from Germany and the evolu− tion of weaver ants. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 53 (4): 615–626. Two new species of weaver ant are described from the Eocene of Germany. Males and gynes of Oecophylla longiceps Dlussky sp. nov. are found in the middle Eocene (about 47 Ma) of Grube Messel, Germany. Males, gynes and two work− ers of O. eckfeldiana Dlussky sp. nov. are recorded from the middle Eocene (about 43 Ma) of Eckfeld maar, Germany. The two new species are among the oldest records of the extant genus Oecophylla. First adaptations for moving in the for− est canopy are present in the workers of O. eckfeldiana. Even more specialized adaptations for arboreal life are found in the workers of O. brischkei from Baltic amber. The coexistence of two species in Baltic amber and in the Bembridge marls suggests that in these cases different ecological niches were realised by sympatric species. Comparisons of the queens from different fossil and extant species indicate morphological trends, partly connected with increasing fertility. Most likely Oecophylla originated in the early Paleogene in the Palaearctic realm, radiating strongly during the climatic changes of the Eocene–Oligocene transition. Key words: Insecta, Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Oecophylla, Eocene, Paleogene, Messel, Eckfeld. Gennady M. Dlussky [[email protected]], Moskovskij gosudarstvennyj universitet imeni M.V. Lomonosova; Biolo− gicheskij fakul'tet Vorobjovy gory, 119992, Moskva, Russia; Torsten Wappler [twappler@uni−bonn.de], Steinmann Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Paläontologie, Universität Bonn, Nussallee 8, D−53115 Bonn, Germany; Sonja Wedmann [[email protected]], Forschungsstation Grube Messel, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Markstr.
    [Show full text]
  • Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)
    A peer-reviewed open-access journal ZooKeys 115:On 53–84 Hypolycaena (2011) from Maluku, Indonesia, including the first description of male... 53 doi: 10.3897/zookeys.115.1406 RESEARCH ARTICLE www.zookeys.org Launched to accelerate biodiversity research On Hypolycaena from Maluku, Indonesia, including the first description of male Hypolycaena asahi (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) Alan Cassidy1, Andrew Rawlins2 1 18 Woodhurst Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8TF, England 2 392 Maidstone Road, Rainham, Kent, ME8 0JA, England Corresponding author: Alan Cassidy ([email protected]) Academic editor: Niklas Wahlberg | Received 8 April 2011 | Accepted 25 May 2011 | Published 5 July 2011 Citation: Cassidy A, Rawlins A (2011) On Hypolycaena from Maluku, Indonesia, including the first description of male Hypolycaena asahi (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae). ZooKeys 115: 53–84. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.115.1406 Abstract The taxonomy and distribution of the five species of Hypolycaena in Maluku are discussed and new locality records given. Corrections are made to the published taxonomy and distribution of H. phorbas (Fabricius, 1793). This clarification enables a better understanding of the biogeography of the genus. Hypolycaena asahi Okubo, 2007, was originally described from a single female from Ambon and is here recorded from Seram. The male is described for the first time. Keywords Hypolycaena, asahi, danis, dictaea, erylus, phorbas, pigres, silo, sipylus, Indonesia, Maluku, Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae Introduction The Indonesian provinces of North Maluku and Maluku consist of numerous islands, yet their butterfly fauna remains less well described than those of the principal sur- rounding areas of the Philippines, Sulawesi and New Guinea. Vane-Wright and Peggie (1994) comment that, geologically, the northern islands of Halmahera, Ternate, Mo- rotai and Bacan form a complex of land areas variously related to New Guinea, while the Buru, Ambon, Seram arc is related to North-West Australia.
    [Show full text]